Travis Earl Harris, Sr.

Travis Earl Harris, Sr. passed away on Friday, November 19, 2021. He was born on February 10, 1936, to John and Ellen Garner Harris. He and Jo Ann Harris married in 1958 and enjoyed 63 years of life together.

Travis loved the land and all its creatures. He was a proud horseman, and he spent much of his life training and working with horses. He raised cattle and crops with his father and father-in-law, and he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He grew up learning to work hard, and he did just that.

He graduated from Warren High School in 1954 and proceeded to attend Lamar University to study civil engineering. He joined the “Rogues” fraternity that later turned into Sigma Phi Epsilon. He then began his career in pipefitting, management, and engineering until he retired from Pipefitters Local 195 after over forty years of service. Upon retirement, he worked with Matrix Engineering for a number of years before taking time to enjoy traveling with Jo Ann.

In their later life, Travis and Jo Ann spent time connecting with their Native heritage. Travis, a Cherokee and Comanche man, was a gourd dancer. He competed and participated in several championships. He was honored to be head gourd dancer on several occasions at many pows wows.

Travis was a man of God. He served the Lord by being honest, charitable, loyal, and full of love. He had a powerful presence that exuded strength and confidence. There was nothing to fear when he was around, and he always provided comfort and guidance. Full of wisdom, he was always ready to offer insight and direction to anyone in need. There was always truth in his words and power in his prayers.

Family was the center of Travis’ world. He was a proud husband, father, and grandfather. He devoted his life to protecting and providing for his family. He set an example of how to work hard, how to never give up, and how to love and care for your family. He gave his family his heart and made many memories to last a lifetime.

Travis enjoyed life with his beloved wife, Jo Ann, and their children, Mary and Travis, Jr. and later with grandchildren, Abigail and Travis III. He is preceded in death by his wife, Jo Ann Harris; his parents, John and Ellen Garner Harris; brothers, Johnny V Jr. and Willie Reid Harris; and nephew, John Mark Harris.

Travis is survived by his daughter, Mary Ellen Harris; son, Travis E. Harris, Jr. and wife, Maria; granddaughter, Abigail Harris; grandson, Travis E. Harris III; brother-in-law, L. H. “Bud” Henderson and wife, Elizabeth; nieces, Suzanne Harris Taylor and husband, Jerry and Cassandra Henderson Kilgore.

A gathering of Mr. Harris’ family and friends will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m., Monday, November 22, 2021, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 245 West Barkley, Sour Lake. His graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Warren Cemetery, Warren.

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